New BMW Alpina D3: 152mph and 52mpg

This is the new BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe – a fast and frugal German car with more power-per-litre than any other BMW.

Based on a BMW 3 Series Coupe, the BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe has had weight reduced while engineers have fitted it with the acclaimed 2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine from the BMW 123d.

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Alpina has tuned the D3’s engine from 204bhp and 295lb/ft of pulling power to 214bhp and 331lb/ft – giving the Alpina D3 a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 152mph.

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This makes the Alpina D3 quicker than 3-litre diesel-powered BMW 325d which will hit 62mph in 7.3 seconds and run on to 148mph.

And the Alpina D3 will average 52.3mpg on a combined cycle – 1mpg less than the slower BMW 320d M Sport.

Carbon dioxide emissions are also low thanks to a range of lighter components and the employment of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme which uses brake energy regeneration to help recharge the battery, while the stop/start tech which turns off the engine while the car is stationary.

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As a result, the Alpina D3 emits 143g/km of carbon dioxide, placing it in tax band C – which currently costs £120.

The D3 also gets a host of Alpina cosmetic adjustments such as a new front and rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels, new suspension and exhaust system with the interior getting an Alpina trim.

Customers can also pay a premium for the automatic model, which has the same performance figures but slightly poorer fuel economy (50.4mpg) and higher emissions (148g/km) than the manual model.

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While a separate company, Alpina has an official relationship with BMW which it has worked with since 1961, so the Alpina D3 will have BMW’s worldwide, two-year unlimited mileage warranty.

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Prices for the Alpina D3 start from £32,950 for the manual model and £34,540 for the auto with first deliveries expected around September for the ’08 plate change.

All Alpina D3s are exclusively imported by the Sytner Group – search the company’s stock with Auto Trader. 

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